SIVASAGAR, Oct 26 - Protests continue to haunt Sivasagar Siva Doul Development Committee even for the fifth day yesterday over several allegedly illegal constructions over the years inside the historic Siva Doul premises, one of the most beautiful and the tallest Siva temple in India, which is 180 feet in height.
Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Parishad, Sivasagar district unit carried out a two-hour protest demonstration in front of the Deputy Commissioner�s office demanding demolition of all subsequent constructions other than the three historic douls constructed by BorRaja Modambika three centuries back.
The protesters raised questions as to how the Ram Janaki Mandir, Sani Mandir, Doul Development Committee office and the Gayan Gaon Bhog Ghar came up right under the nose of the Central Archaeological Survey of India and district administration.
However, the Ram Janaki Mandir and the Sani Mandir, both maintained by non-Assamese devotees, are more than several decades-old and hence are beyond the purview of the ASI-amended laws of 1958.
Yet, senior citizens opine that these mandirs can be removed and rebuilt at separate places which will help maintain the goodwill and harmony among the people.
Gunesh Borthakur, son of the chief priest of the Siva Doul, Late Hironya Borthakur told The Assam Tribune that the Thakur Bari and the Sani Mandir were standing there for years and hence cannot be removed suddenly. But the district administration should allot land at suitable locations to rebuild the mandirs, which will add to tourists attraction of Sivasagar district, he added.
Bhagawat Bakhya: In the meantime, people of Bakchu in a well-attended meeting recently resolved to hold a three-day Bhagawat Bakhya Mahotsav from March 8 to 10 at Bakch Naamghar.
A meeting held on the occasion was presided over by Indreswar Bora. The meet resolved to invite Devabanda Deva Goswami, Deka Satradhikar, Sri Auniaati Satra, as the Chief Guest. A committee with Indreswar Bora as president, Anil Mahanta and Sada Gogoi as Vice predidentc and Akash Duwori as secretary was formed in the meeting to celebrate the occasion.
